Summary: This guide helps you choose the right thyroid RFA doctor by outlining key factors to consider, such as experience, training, and communication. It also introduces a Physician Finder tool to help you locate specialists.
You are probably here because you’re looking for a minimally invasive alternative to thyroid surgery. You’re not alone. As the popularity of RFA grows, thyroid doctors who can perform the procedure are in high demand.
Although RFA has existed for over 20 years, it is still considered a new, innovative procedure. The thyroid specialists who seek out training tend to be patient-focused trailblazers interested in their patients’ futures. While they are incredible clinicians who put patients’ interests first, they can be hard to find.
What is the best way to connect with an experienced thyroid doctor with comprehensive training in RFA?
In this guide, we’ll share the best way to find an RFA-trained thyroid specialist in your area. Continue reading to pursue the minimally invasive treatment you deserve.
Access the RFA for Life Physician Finder
When searching for a thyroid gland specialist who performs RFA, begin with our physician finder tool. It will connect you with a database of either USA-based or international thyroid specialists. Each physician is professionally trained by STARmed Thyroid RFA training program to ensure their proficiency in performing the procedure. Many are affiliated with major hospitals and healthcare systems.
You can indicate the radius in which you’d be comfortable traveling for treatment. The Physician Finder will populate a list of thyroid doctors in that area. You can learn about their specialty and even click through to learn more about them.
From there, you can schedule a consultation, ask questions about insurance, and more.
Choosing the Right Thyroid Doctor
Depending on your location, you may have many doctors for thyroid concerns in your area. As you explore your options, you’ll probably schedule several consultations. How do you determine if a specialist is right for you?
If your most important concern is RFA experience, every doctor in the physician finder will be a match as they’ve all attended specific training for performing thyroid RFA procedures. However, here are some other things to keep in mind when choosing a specialist to perform your RFA procedure.
Doctor Specialization
The first Thyroid RFA procedure was performed in South Korea in 2002 with STARmed technology. Since then, the technology has continued to expand.
Today, specialists with knowledge in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the thyroid are qualified to learn the procedure. These individuals receive specific thyroid RFA training to prepare. Combined with their extant knowledge, this specialized training prepares them to perform the procedure from a place of deep experience.
Types of specialists qualified to perform the procedure include:
- Endocrinologists: These doctors specialize in hormone-related disorders. Their job is to diagnose and manage thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules, ensuring proper hormone balance and function.
- Interventional Radiologists: These specialists use imaging techniques to perform minimally invasive procedures to diagnose or treat thyroid abnormalities.
- Endocrine Surgeons: Endocrine surgeons are experts in performing thyroid surgeries, including removal of nodules, goiters, or cancerous thyroid tissues.
- Otolaryngologists: Also known as ENT specialists, otolaryngologists diagnose and treat conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat. This often includes thyroid and parathyroid disorders. These doctors often address complex anatomical and functional concerns.
All of the above specialists possess extensive clinical experience in:
- The clinical diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules
- Neck imaging anatomy
- Thyroid US imagining and fine needed aspiration biopsy procedures
- US risk stratification for thyroid tumors
Choosing a physician with one of the specified specializations should qualify them to perform the thyroid RFA procedure.
Training and Professional Development
As a newer procedure, RFA is constantly improving. Every year there are new techniques, more clinical evidence, and more proof that it’s effective. The best thyroid doctors are up to date on these innovations. They go above and beyond to attend trainings and conferences and continue to develop their skills.
Consider asking a potential thyroid doctor how they stay up to date with the procedure. A doctor invested in improvement will be happy to tell you.
Communication & Comfortability
When choosing a new physician, it’s always wise to trust your gut. Choose a thyroid specialist who communicates clearly and effectively.
Do they have a friendly rapport? Do they put you at ease? These factors are just as crucial as clinical experience!
You can consider other factors, too. Was it easy to make an appointment? Is the office accessible from where you live? Keep all of this in mind when you make your decision.
Find a Thyroid Doctor Today
Remember, all of the thyroid doctors in our Physician Finder are well-trained practitioners with extensive RFA experience. Any doctor you connect with has the expertise necessary to help you on your RFA journey.
Are you ready to begin? Connect with an RFA doctor today.
